Thursday, March 1, 2012

31 artists...31 days. Spend every day of March with me at The Altered Page to meet the 31 spotlight artists in my book The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed. See their beautiful faces, read their 'quirky' bios written in their own words, see some of their art that led me to invite them to be a part of my book, and hear my story of what they each mean to me. Then click on over to their sites and see what they have to say about The Pulse of Mixed Media.
------------------------------------Michelle Ward

All my jammies are speckled with paint. I am fortunate to have a home studio that is my daily destination. It is filled with abundant supplies and books and rarely will you find a clear space on my table. While I love being surrounded by my favorite things, I frequently find myself happiest with just a surface to paint on, a few brushes, and some handmade tools.

It's not about your workspace, or your materials, it's about plugging in, getting messy, and seeing what emerges.

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Like many of the artists in my book, I first learned about Michelle through one of my all time favorite books: True Colors. Her 'color' was Autumn. But my most vivid memory of her work in that book was her 'Stairway to Heaven' spread in Lisa Renner's Blue and Ochre book. Wow!

Since that time I have loved seeing the direction that Michelle's art has taken and really admire the freedom and joy that is a trademark of her work. She has been a leader in the mixed media community, through her blog, her rubber stamp line, her Street Team crusades, her new column in Somerset Studio, and the creativity that is in every cell in her body.

I first 'met' Michelle online less than 6 months after I started my blog when she so graciously agreed to support me and be a participant in my first, online version of The Pulse. I have almost met her in real life on several occasions and am so very excited to be able to finally and officially meet her later this month at my artist panel at The Ink Pad. Think if I ask nicely, she will autograph my copy of True Colors?
------------------------------------GIVEAWAY

For every comment you leave in March on a 31/31 post on my blog and/or on the blog of the spotlighted artist, you will have that many chances to win one of three prizes in my giveaway. The more comments you leave, the more chances you have (but only 1 per post please). First prize is a copy of The Pulse of Mixed Media signed by many (and I mean many) of the 133 artists that have contributed to the book. Second and third prizes are one copy each of the book signed by yours truly.

Well, THIS is one of the best Leap Days I've ever had. And now you top it off with a wonderful spotlight artist. I can't even talk about how wonderful because I would embarrass myself. Michelle has been my favorite uber-artist since I started stalking people around the web. Many people, such as yourself, have considered your own restraining orders, but you don't have the slightest clue of what Michelle's been through. I managed to stop short of sending her a subscription to my favorite service, the Peeps of the Month Club (registered trademark), but it was SO tempting!! (Did you know that if you leave the Peep wrapper open for 24 hours, the Peeps are Even Better?! But that's another story.)

Anyway. I'm not going to say more, because it would be embarrassing.

I'm sending over to you my copy of True Colors so that you can get it signed for me the second you see Michelle!

Thanks for the introduction to a new artist and her work. 31 artists in 31 days!!! How great is that. Looking forward. Might be just be what I need to encourage me back into sketching after many months focusing on music and writing.

entering your blog today was like having an iv drip with inspiration. :)I've been admiring Michelle for a while and it's great pleasure to read about her.and your new book - a.m.a.z.i.n.g. it's a must-have!

Your blog today is even more exiting than at other times, which is hardly possible! 31top artists, 31 chances to win, today is my first attempt! Again, thanks so much for your ongoing inspiration, Seth!

It's finally here- the traveling book show of March's 31/31! This is going to be one heck of a ride and so glad to see Michelle starting off the celebration! Love reading about her and how you two first "met" and I can't wait to be able to meet her at your first offical book launch in New York!

Seth- congratulations again on the start of your most awesome journey (I mean everything has been so awesome already...you know what I mean) I am so proud to know you as my friend and I can't wait to see you non-skype. Nothing but the best to you!

Oh this is going to be a delicious month. Thank you Seth!! I'm feeling creative already and just have to make that first cuppa...and then I'm off. I see birds and dripping paint and moss. Please enter in my name for a chance to win this fabby giveaway. *smiles* Norma

Love Michelle's work (and Lisa Renner's). Although my copy of your book is coming from Amazon, I'd kill for a signed copy. I'd then pass the other on to a like-minded friend as a gift. Thus you'd have at least two copies somewhere in Queensland, Australia.

what a wonderful first post! i loved that piece in true colors too and yes, i think she will sign your copy -- she seems sweet as can be. :) this is all so exciting! i'm off to check out her blog now -- i love michelle's work!

I'm so excited for your book Seth!! I know all of the featured artists are wonderful, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Michelle Ward. I've been an admirer of hers for years and was lucky enough to take my first workshop with her last fall! I really love all of your work too, and the blog is great!!!

Congrats for your new book! Thanks for your gieaway. TRhank you for this article on Micelle Ward! She is my favorite mixed-media artists. I work with her stamps. She introduced me to art journaling through the Street Team venture. I thank her immensely for that. She took the "shy" out of me to go out and just do it. She is a very talented artist and a wonderful person too. I have not met her but I would take a class with her if she came to Canada.

This is going to be a wonderful month, all these juicy blog posts about these incredible artists, AND the book will be in my hands soon!Not to mention that I get to really meet Michelle in person and spend time with you and "the panel"Great job Seth, I think this time you have really out done yourself! Love your answers to the questions ! Get ready there are many more coming!roxanne

Michelle Ward's work is so much fun. I stepped out of my comfort zone after reading one of her blog posts one day, grabbed a couple of cans of pastel spray paint, doilies, and stencils and spritzed to my heart's content! Seth, thanks for offering this giveaway. ~Denise

Hi Seth, Michelle is a marvel, no two ways about it... one of the most supportive and generous artists I've "met" on the internet. I love her, I love her work, and I love that you included her in your upcoming book! Cannot wait to see it, and I will gladly accept a signed copy, though I am happy to purchase my own copy! xoxoK.

Hi Seth, I found out about your blog and book on Michelle Ward's blog. What a treat to see she is the first artist you present ! She is really cool.I am looking forward to discovering all the artists you are presenting.Well done!Sylvie